Why Buy Local?

• Support jobs
National chains often bring loss of jobs. The opening of a Wal-Mart reduces retail employment by an average of 150 jobs in the county of its location. Your local food co-op supports over 100 staff members.

• Support the environment
Local products use a smaller carbon footprint to enter your home. In 2014, 2.18 tons of salmon sold in our store arrived by bicycle delivery!

• Support choice & diversity
Though a single local shop likely stocks a smaller selection than can be found online or at large chains, a multiplicity of independent retailers creates great diversity. Not able to find what you’re looking for? Just ask our Member Services Desk staff if we can get it for you.

• Support quality of life
Driving an hour or more to shop elsewhere takes quality time away from your day and personal relationships. Wouldn’t you rather be gardening?

• Support community organizations
Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses. In 2014, the Food Co-op paid out $36,893 to support local non-profit organizations.

• Support your health
The shorter the time between the farm and your table, the less likely it is that nutrients will be lost from fresh food.

• Support land preservation
When farmers get paid more for their products by marketing locally, they’re less likely to sell farmland for development. Did you know you can ask our clerks to “round up” to the nearest dollar on your register total and the spare change goes to the Jefferson Land Trust?

• Support the local tax base
A portion of the sales tax you pay for non-food items stays in our own county for vital public services.